King John School has issued a statement after Years 7, 8, and 9 were all sent home to self-isolate after a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Echo recently reported five new cases among pupils across Years 8, 9 and 11, as well as members of staff.

The sixth form is also currently closed.

The statement by headteacher, Mrs Melanie MacGauley, says: "From the moment we were informed of the positive tests all processes and procedures advised have been enacted. This involves following the national guidance and a risk assessment with Public Health England advisers.

>>> Read more: School reports five Covid cases days after sixthform is forced to shut

>>> Read more: Second confirmed Covid-19 case this week at King John School sixth form

"We have been working closely with Public Health England over the weekend, looking at the positive cases of COVID-19 across the school.

"Whilst there are relatively few positive cases in each individual year group our overall picture seems to reflect the rise in positive cases locally, and it is important to reduce further transmission.

"We are following the direction given by Public Health England in telling Years 7 to 9 students to formally isolate from now until Friday November 27, they can go back out in the community from Saturday 28 November.

"Whilst we are clearly saddened to have to ask our key stage 3 students to isolate we do feel that this is the right step to take in keeping our students, their families and the wider community safe and well.

"We are hopeful that in taking this action, whilst the national lockdown is in place, we can have a positive impact, and reduce further transmission. The school remains open for Years 10 and 11 as normal."

The statement, adds: "We want to say thank you to our students and parents for their support as the school was able to take swift action and follow the advice with this ‘belt and braces’ approach.

"This action has been taken for the best interests of all our community and on advice from Public Health. Students are able to continue with their usual studies and timetable as teachers are delivering ‘live’ lessons and the students attend remotely from home."